Tsum Valley Trek

Discover the secret Tibetan Buddhist land lying at the edge of one of the most secluded Himalayan valleys. Tsum Valley is one of world’s remotest Himalayan Valleys which was also a restricted region until recently. The trek to Tsum Valley takes you into the majestic surroundings of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges. The region once being part of Tibet looks completely different from what you will find elsewhere. The people of Tsum Valley or the Tsumbas belong to Tibetan origin with their own ancient form of dialect, art, culture and religion. Very few adventure travelers have made it to this high and mysterious valley, which used to be an important trade link with Tibet. In the initial days, we trek the route of Around Manaslu Trek or the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Tsum Valley lies on the northern part of Manaslu and used to be a restricted area until 2008. The region is still less exposed in comparison to other touristy areas, with relatively virgin and less beaten paths in comparison to the more popular regions. The Tsum people have their own way of family life, which may be quite surprising for many outsiders. All the brothers in the family are married to a single girl, what you may call a practice of polyandry.
The trek start and end point is Arughat, a seven hours drive from Kathmandu. The first half of the trek ascends the Budhi Gandaki Valley on good paths through a mix of dense forest, terraced fields and hill villages. As we leave the main Manaslu Trail for the Tsum valley, suddenly we get a feeling of entering truly into the hidden valley. While on the trek, we also pass through the alpine forests, glacial rivers, and enjoy the warm hospitality of ethnic people. Pass the lower Buri Gandaki regions of Liding, Machhakhola, Jagat and Philim. We also visit the ancient Gombas of the region such as: Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Dephyudonma Gompa.
Day to Day ItineraryDay 01: Arrive Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel (1,300m/4,264ft)
Arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA) you will be greeted by a representative from Kumar adventure . After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Kumar adventure display board at the arrival gate. We will drop hotel (BB)

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing
After breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (BouddhaNath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. In. Overnight at Kathmandu. Included meal: Breakfast (BB)Day 03:Drive Kathmandu to Arughat (600m/1,968ft)
After break fast 7 hour’s drive from Kathmandu into the western mountains takes us to Gorkha, the Capital of Medieval Nepal. Another 42km drive on a dirt road and we reach Arughat, our trek start point. The dirt road from Gorkha to Arughat may not be drivable during the monsoon season. In that case, we may have to begin our trek right from Gorkha and reach Arughat in the evening. Arughat is a major town in the region and is divided in two parts with the Buri Gandaki River flowing between them. Overnight at Arughat. (B,L,D)Day 04:Arughat to Soti Khola (710m/2,328ft): 5-6 hoursWe cross the bridge over Budhi Gandaki and begin our trek from the western part of Arughat. After completing with the ACAP procedure, we follow the stone-paved street north through the bazaar. We pass through the hydro- lectric power plant, fields of rice and millet to Maltar, and through forests Sante Bazzar. The trail to Budhi Gandaki valley now becomes steeper and the trek more difficult as we cross the Arkhet Khola on a suspension bridge, passing the shops of Arkhet. Descend to a high, cascading waterfall making a long steep slog up a ridge to Kyorpani. Then from here the trail descends to Soti Khola. Overnight stay at the campsite at Soti Khola. Overnight at Soti Khola. (B,L,D)Day 05: Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (900m/2,952ft): 6-7 hoursCross the bridge and trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. We then reach to Khursane. The rocky trail then weaves its way up and down, past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff. It eventually makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. Climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. Drop to the sandy river bed and walk along rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. Overnight at Machha Khola. (B,L,D)Day 06:Maccha Khola to Yaru Khola (1330m/4,362ft): 5-6 hoursThe narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola, flowing in a rocky ravine, then reaches Khorlabesi. After a few more ups & downs there is a small trailside hotspring, from where we reach to Tatopani. From the Hot spring we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. Climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Dobhan Khola, the trail climbs on a rugged trail to Duman. Descending down again to the Buri Gandaki, we arrive at Yaru Khola. (B,L,D)Day 07:Yaru Khola to Philim (1,590m/5,215ft): 6-7 hours
Crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Cross to the west bank of the budhi gandaki, climb over a ridge, and trek along the river then climb towards the village of Jagat. Climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Setibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Continue upstream to a long suspension bridge. Climb up to Philim, a large gurung village. (B,L,D)Day 08:Philim to Chumling (2,363m/7,775ft): 7 hoursWalk past Philim to the north across a forest with the views of the narrowing valley. After Ekle Bhatti cross the gorge, and enter the pine tree forests. Descend down to trail going to the Tsum Valley. Climb through pine and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the views of Himalchuli mountains at 7893m. Pass Lokpa, climbing further north through pines and rhododendrons. Climb down to Ghumlong, and climbing up to Ripchet. Crossing the Shiar Khola, finally arrive at Chumling. Visit the old Chumling gompa, and the stone streets of the village. (B,L,D)Day 09: Chumling to Chokhangparo (3,010m/9,903ft): 5-6 hoursCross the suspension bridge onto the opposite bank. Enjoy the great views of Ganesh Himal. Walk past Rainjham to Serpu Khola. Another climb to Tsum takes us to the village of Chhokangparo. Weather permitting, enjoy the views of Himalchuli at 7893 meters. (B,L,D)Day 10: Chokhangparo to Nile (3,361m/11,058ft) via Milarepa cave: 6-7 hoursWhile climbing above Chokhangparo, better to be careful of altitude problems. Walk past Lamagaon to the Rachen Gompa. Climb up to the Milarepa’s Cave. Then we cross cross the Shiar Khola. Continue walking through the villages of Phurbe and Pangdun. After crossing the village of Chhule, climb upstream and cross the bridge to finally arrive at Nile. (B,L,D)Day 11: Nile to Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,174ft): 4 hoursWe are now almost close to the Tibetan border. Walk to the west bank of the valley through the Tibetan landscapes. Climb up to the lu Gompa. We also visit the monastery. Then after, we make a visit to the Dhephyudoma Gompa. (B,L,D)Day 12: Mu Gompa, sightseeing
Today we make a sightseeing of the whole Mu Gompa Region. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region. The Gompa lies at the highest and most remote part of the Tsum Valley. After exploring the Mu Gompa area, you may also consider the option of getting to the base of Pika Himal (4865m). (B,L,D)Day 13: Mu Gompa to Rachen Gompa (3,240m/10,660ft): 5 hours
Trek back through Chhule and Phurbe, on the east bank of the Shiar Khola. Finally we arrive at Rachen Gompa again. The Rachen Gumba is a nunnery in the Shiar Khola Valley. The nunnery is one of largest in the region is of great importance. (B,L,D)Day 14: Rachen Gompa to Dumje (2,440m/8,028ft): 6-7 hoursContinue trekking and cross a bridge to descend down to Chhokangparo again. From Chhokangparo. Continue descending to Gho. Descending further, we arrive at the bridge over the Shiar Khola. Cross the bridge to Dhumje. (B,L,D)Day 15: Dumje to Philim (1,590m/5,215ft): 7-8 hoursFrom Dumje, trek along the lower Tsum Valley. The trail continues to Lokpa then south on a flat trail. Enjoy the gorgeous Samba Falls. Finally arrive at Philim after 6 or 7 hours long trekking. A trail passes through the Phillim village that leads to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp. (B,L,D)Day 16:Philim to Tatopani: 6-7 hoursTrek to Jagat from Tatopni. Descend down to Yaru. The arid Tibetan climate now gives way to subtropical green vegetation. Continue trekking to Dobhan. Finally arrive at Tatopani. There is a hot spring at Tatopani. If interested, you may dip yourself in the hot spring and relax your tired muscles by soaking yourself in the hot spring. (B,L,D)Day 17: Tatopani to Soti Khola (710m/2,328ft): 6-7 hoursTrek up and down from Tatopani to reach Khorlabesi. The trail crosses the Tharo Khola flowing in a rocky ravine. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. Walk along the Buri Gandaki River to reach to Gurung village of Labubesi. Pass the two waterfalls on a steep rocky trail on the side of a cliff. We then reach Khursane. Walk along the ridge above Buri Gandaki and cross the Sal forests. Finally, cross the bridge finally to arrive at Soti Khola. (B,L,D)Day 18:Soti Khola to Arughat (600m/1,968ft): 6-7 hoursClimb up to the rigdge of Kyorpani. Descend down to the cascading waterfall. Trekking further arrive at Arkhet. Cross the Arkhet Khola. We are now leaving the Buri Gandaki Valley. Arrive at Sante Bazar, pass through the forests to Maltar. Finally, passing by the hydroelectric plant following the stone streets, we arrive at the Arughat Bazar. (B,L,D)Day 19: Transfer to Kathmandu: 8-9 hours
A 7 to 8 picturesque drive on the way back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages on both sides of road. In Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel, the day at leisure to rest, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu. In the evening, we host a dinner to celebrate our successful completion of Around Manaslu Trek. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B,L,D)Day 20: DepartureA representative from Kumar adventure will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. (B)

Health Requrerments

Walking in this high land of Tsum Valley region usually require maximum 6-8 hours of walking everyday. We suggest you to be prepared max 14 Km of walking or jugging exercise everyday 3 months before your wonderful Tsum Valley Trek start because you are walking on high altitude for long and short days. And also you must need a positive attitude and a strong determination; previous hiking experience preferred and technical experience preferred. You must have lots of willpower, tolerance of harsh conditions and reasonable fitness, good health and physical condition are the basic measure of your success. It is vital that participants with pre-existing medical problems or conditions make these known to Kumar Adventure at the time of booking. Medical and evacuation expenses are the responsibility of the participant. It is also important that you consult your doctor for vaccination and other medical requirements for your trip. Kumar Adventure reserves the right to require a medical certificate prior to booking your trip.

Acclimatization

Trekking to Tsum Valley is planned with high degree awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going up too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to kill. The higher the altitude the less oxygen there is in the air. In the most remote area the altitude is near about 4000m and requires good acclimatization, hence your trek itinerary is gradually ascending getting up these height where you expect 40% less oxygen than at sea level. Your body needs many days to adapt to this, so for a safe trek it absolutely essential to allow for sufficient time for acclimatization. Sensible planning is therefore required to minimize the risk of AMS.

We advise specially the guest(s) with known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder are symptoms of AMS.

Trekking season
The best months are September, October & November during the Autumn season and after midMarch, April & May during the spring season are consider as the best seasons for doing this trek. Regarding monsoon season at summer time we do not suggest to try this route from June till August. But at autumn months weather is perfect: there is no rain, and it is warm enough.

Included

All airport transfers before & after trek

Three nights 3 or 4-star hotel in Kathmandu twin sharing on BB

Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide all world heritage site & entrance fees.

Thum Valley Permit Fee Per Person USD 35 for 7 Days after USD 5 Per day Per Person if you need extra day.

Single Supplement USD 275 if you need single room, Kathmandu & Trek

If Some one want do Camping Trek cost will be Extra USD 1045 Per Person .

What you need on trekking (Checklist)

Nepal is a mountainous tropical country, which means there are climate extremes. Night and day temperature differences can vary between -10°C on the high treks and 30°C on the lower ones (14°F to 86°F), so you need to bring a variety of clothes. The key to staying comfortable on a trek is layering.

Suggested items to bring …………..

Boots: the single most important item to pack, are comfortable, sturdy hiking boots which gives a good support to your ankles. Preferable are the higher models with a good profile sole.

Shoe wax or rainproof spray for shoes

Gaiters (recommended on tours above 3500 meter)

Sleeping bag: needed for both camping and teahouse treks as teahouses usually only provide blankets (easy to rent/buy in Nepal)

Backpack: 60-70 liters with good waist and chest belt for the assistant guide* to carry your belongings

About us

On behalf of Kumar Adventure Treks & Expedition Company, we are pleased to welcome you to Nepal through our site. We make sure your dream holidays are much more enjoyable by taking care of your everyday travel requirements. We cater in all fields of travel such as tours, trekking, mountaineering, and ticketing in the Himalayan region of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India.

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